Scope
Reference
Prj_7195
Description
The Andover Link Main (ALM) scheme is being delivered by Southern Water Services (SWS) under the Major Projects Directorate. The ALM project is part of the WRMP programme and is associated with SWS's agreement with the EA under Section 20 of the Water Resources Act 1991 put in place following Public Inquiry to reduce our abstraction licenses for public water supply. Its purpose is to provide environmental protection for the rivers Test and Itchen. The WRMP Programme aims to create greater resilience to water shortages, especially during dry weather and droughts. Existing abstraction licences for the River Test and River Itchen have been substantially reduced through changes required by the Environment Agency to protect the rivers, both designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and the River Itchen as Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Additional licence changes will bring further reductions. These rivers are key examples of rare chalk stream habitat which support a wide variety of species. The Proposed Scheme will support environmental improvement by increasing the protection of these rivers while addressing the need for secure water supply.
The ALM scheme involves approximately 25km of below-ground pipeline connecting critical infrastructure between Winchester and Andover, alongside upgrades to existing and new booster stations. It aims to deliver a bi-directional transfer capacity of 15Ml/d by March 2030, ensuring both strategic drought resilience and operational reliability for the isolated Andover Water Resource Zone (WRZ).
SWS delivery strategy is to appoint a single Principal Contractor to design and build Andover Link Main, delivery to inclue detailed design and construction package with enabling work to be completed prior to construction.
The Principal Contractor will act as a Tier 1 provider and sub-contract specialist elements such as Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), this strategy is to reduce risk of interdependency issues in construction, testing and commissioning.
We understand the current market status of the Tier 2 requirements including
Civils
Groundworks
Temporary site works
PE Pipe
Pipe fittings
Plant tools and equipment (welding, excavation etc)
Specialist HDD Equipment and Pipe-Jacking Machines
MCCs
Pumps
is stretched as we enter this significant investment period for water and other infrastructure. To support the success of our ALM scheme we are conducting a market engagement exercise that invites the Tier 2 supply chain to register their interest in supporting our Tier 1's in delivering the scheme
https://southernwater.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=59781
Total value (estimated)
- £0 excluding VAT
- £0 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2026 to 31 March 2030
- 3 years, 9 months
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45232150 - Works related to water-distribution pipelines
- 44160000 - Pipeline, piping, pipes, casing, tubing and related items
- 71311100 - Civil engineering support services
- 45111200 - Site preparation and clearance work
- 45252110 - Mobile plant construction work
- 43130000 - Drilling equipment
- 31682210 - Instrumentation and control equipment
- 42122130 - Water pumps
- 43300000 - Construction machinery and equipment
- 44100000 - Construction materials and associated items
- 44162500 - Drinking-water piping
- 45232100 - Ancillary works for water pipelines
- 42131144 - Process-control valves
- 44163000 - Pipes and fittings
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
- CZ06 - South-East
Engagement
Engagement deadline
19 December 2025
Engagement process description
The timely delivery of Andover Link Main is critical to us achieving our WRMP programme and is associated with SWS's agreement with the EA under Section 20 of the Water Resources Act 1991. Our strategy is to is to appoint a single Principal Contractor to design and build Andover Link Main. The Principal Contractor will act as a Tier 1 provider and sub-contract specialist elements such as Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), this strategy is to reduce risk of interdependency issues in construction, testing and commissioning.
We understand the current market status of the Tier 2 requirements including
Civils
Groundworks
Temporary site works
PE Pipe
Pipe fittings
Plant tools and equipment (welding, excavation etc)
Specialist HDD Equipment and Pipe-Jacking Machines
MCCs
Pumps
is stretched as we enter this significant investment period for water and other infrastructure. To support the success of our ALM scheme we are conducting a market engagement exercise that invites the Tier 2 supply chain to register their interest in supporting our Tier 1's in delivering the scheme. By responding to this request you are confirming you have the requisite experience and are competent in delivering similar Projects.
Please note this will not constitute an approved or preferred supplier list from SWS and we will not be verifying any company credentials. Any appointment by our Tier 1 providers will require you to meet their supplier accreditation process and relevant due diligence, which is aligned with SWS supplier code of conduct. We will also request of our Tier 1 Contractors bidding they do not sign up exclusive agreements with any Tier 2 partner until contract award has been executed.
If you wish to be entered onto the ALM Tier 2 Supply Chain register please contact Kirsty Lodge at Southern Water. Kirsty.lodge@southernwater.co.uk
Please include your company name, company number, high level brief of your organisation's capability, contact details (email and phone) and if appropriate current lead times.
We may undertake engagement sessions with those registered to fully understand the Tier 2 market conditions. We may also apply this list to other SWS Major Projects.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
19 December 2025
Procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Contracting authority
Southern Water Services Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBJQ-2231-ZRPG
Southern Water, Southern House
Worthing
Bn13 3NX
United Kingdom
Contact name: Kirsty Lodge
Email: kirsty.lodge@southernwater.co.uk
Website: http://www.southernwater.co.uk
Region: UKJ27 - West Sussex (South West)
Organisation type: Private utility